ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Chenier scores a bursary bullseye

By Mitch Gallo, October 3rd, 2012

Laval's Virginie Chenier will be able to continue pursuing her archery dreams after being the recipient of one of Hydro-Quebec's $2,000 bursaries in the 'hopeful category.'
“It was really an honor and it proves that all the work I put in is seen and I'm achieving my goals,” said Chenier. “I'm also glad they are supporting me because it will help me compete in more competitions down the road.”
The 18-year-old Dawson student's sport is definitely unique, as she propels arrows at a target with the use of a bow. But like most unique sports, competition isn't always easily available and travel is a necessity. This is the fourth time Chenier has won the bursary, each time with the money going solely to the purpose of traveling to competitions around North America.
Chenier began archery when she gave up gymnastics. With the desire to take up another sport, she visited various open houses including fencing, swimming and diving. It was archery however that she was drawn to because of similar muscles needed that she had already acquired doing gymnastics and the need to be perfect.
“I'm a perfectionist, it's a sport that makes me work on it and you can never be perfect,” said Chenier “It's the right sport for me and I really like it."
It was quite the year for Chenier leading up to the bursary, and now a two week break before resuming practice five days a week. She captured the gold medal and broke two world records at the 2012 Canadian Junior Championships held in British Columbia.
“That felt really good because it was my first year as a junior, my goal was to win a medal at the nationals and I succeeded which made it all that much better,” said Chenier.
At the Cocal show in California, she won a gold and a bronze medal in the International Junior circuit and also got a chance to compete with the seniors. Following the two-week break, Chenier will resume training, getting ready for competition in early 2013. She'll be taking part in a local competition in January followed by the Canadian Championships which will be held on the South Shore in March. Chenier is taking aim at her ultimate goal, which is to compete at the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“The one thing I need to improve on would have to be the mental aspect of the sport,” said Chenier. “You have to be extremely focused and not let other people get into your head.”